Helix Water mulls over future of Lake Jennings

EAST COUNTY  Lake Jennings, the 160-acre reservoir in Lakeside that stores drinking water for Helix Water District customers, has also been known for scenic views, picnicking and hiking trails with abundant wildlife throughout the 350-acre parkland operated by the district.

Its side uses as a campground and for fishing have been under some scrutiny of late by ratepayers complaining of soaring water costs as the water district has been losing money on those ventures at the Harritt Road reservoir for several years.

A quarterly financial report shows a total operating net loss of $118,522 for the 2012-13 fiscal year. The district lost just over $100,000 in 2011-12 and about $85,000 in both 2009-10 and 2010-11. Fishing revenue and campground revenue have both been holding steady for the past three years, but district expenses have been steadily increasing. Occupancy in the campground hovers around 34 percent.

Financial and recreational issues regarding Lake Jennings were vetted at the district's board meeting on Wednesday by way of a workshop specific to the district's future plans for the lake, which helps the district store, treat and deliver water to more than 260,000 people in La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, and parts of Spring Valley and Lakeside.

Discussion at the workshop centered around the lake's fishing program that continues to dwindle in terms of number of anglers, and its 97-space campground, including 27 full hookup sites for long-term monthly campers, which consultant Bob McKinnon noted has become obsolete in some ways.

"It's all about your customers, who are they, what are their expectations, what are their needs," he said. "People want to rough it but with all the comforts of home."

MacKinnon, hired in 2007 to help expedite a Lake Jennings Campground Master Plan, said with some work, the campground could get to 50 percent occupancy, but not in its current state. He was particularly concerned about the lack of room to fit most of today's larger recreational vehicles and low percentage of spaces offering sewer hookups.

"We're limiting because of archaic sites and archaic (amenities)," board member Joel Scalzitti said. "It's a little frustrating to hear all these gloomy things about the lake because I feel like we're treating it as a stepchild that might have been a bad kid in the beginning, but that doesn't mean it's a bad kid as an adult."

After nearly four hours of an informational presentation and discussion led by Mark Umphres, Helix's director of water quality and system operations, District General Manager Carlos Lugo suggested to the board they come back in 30 days with strategies and ideas to put into action.

Board member Kathleen Hedberg spoke of the lake's relaxing vibe, waxing nostalgic on the wonders of camping and a need for kid-friendly and family-oriented experiences such as those offered at the lake. She also noted that when the lake was built, one of the conditions of its funding grant was to put in recreational facilities.

"The Department of Water Resources knew there was a value... for communities, for families, for families, for children, for the lake."

Board member John Linden took a harder line and said, "I think we may have to rethink, should we keep it?" he asked rhetorically.

"Let's put a cost on each customer... see what each customer's cost will be in their water rate," Linden said. "I personally don't see any way to break even on that operation. I'm very strong on the core business we're in. Our consumers want the lowest rates possible and the only way to do that is to stay in water. We can't be all things to all people; we don't have the funds to do that."

Kate Breece, a public affairs representative for the district, shared a presentation on public perception of the lake and various offerings there as well as some of what people said they would like to see in future, including a swimming pool, kayaking and a small store. The district has been increasing its promotion of the lake for the past three years, she noted.

Breece cited several educational programs, surveys and general marketing that has included fliers, mailers, brochures, advertisements and billboards that have gotten positive feedback. The district recently started a Facebook page as well.

Ideas tossed about by Umphres include keeping current operations with modest upgrades, closing the lake to public access, keeping only the fishing program, renovating existing facilities without expansion and looking into a master plan that will include renovations and growth.

Day-use only entrance fees for fishing are $2, or an annual pass that costs $50, and fishing fees are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for kids 8 to 16. Boat rentals are also offered, ranging from $14 a half day for a rowboat to $40 for a full day for a motor boat. Private boat launching is $8 per boat. Camping fees are $28 to $39 per night; per month charge is $675 during the months of October through March when such monthly camping is allowed. There are additional charges for hookups.

Gordon Place of El Cajon, one of only three district constituents who spoke at the meeting, told the board that "the district should not be in the recreation business," early in the meeting. Later, after hearing the board's take on it, Place noted "It's a nice peaceful place with hiking that a lot of families can do," but feared that the lake might become more of "a motorhome park and not a family park."

Patricia Toth of La Mesa offered several suggestions, including a kids day camp, fundraisers and grant opportunities.

At the end of 2008, with San Diego County’s 40-year lease for the Lake Jennings campsite expired, the district stepped in to take on the lake's campground and its amenities. Originally, the campground and fishing programs were required when funding for the Chet Harritt Dam was granted in 1964.

"I think there is potential and I think we need to explore that," board member De Ana Verbeke said. "I don't think we need to make a quick decision. I think we need more information and keep this discussion ongoing."